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JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal home to a growing number of bird species

Volunteers and JAXPORT employees recently identified 23 different species of birds living at JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal, including the endangered wood stork. The count grew from last year when 19 different species were spotted at the terminal.

The work was part of an annual bird count organized by The National Audubon Society and conducted by bird-loving volunteers across the U.S. The count contributes valuable data for population research and helps with conservation efforts.

Anne Turner, who compiles the local data, says her group spotted several species of herons, including two juvenile birds, “We are excited to see young black-crowned night-herons at Blount Island. That means the species is nesting successfully.”

The Jacksonville count began in the 1960s. It is conducted within a seven-mile radius in North Jacksonville which includes JAXPORT, Heckscher Drive, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, and Little Talbot Island State Park. The full count identified a total of 151 different bird species living in this area.

JAXPORT is committed to environmental protection and stewardship. Learn more about the port’s efforts to preserve the region’s natural environment here.